Number of deaths on Ga. state highways declines

ATLANTA (AP) -- Georgia Department of Transportation officials say the number of traffic fatalities on state highways has fallen for the eighth consecutive year.

Officials said in a statement Monday that Georgia recorded 1,186 traffic deaths on state highways in 2013. GDOT officials say the figure is 13 fewer than in 2012, and 562 less than the state's tally in 2005.

Despite the drop in vehicular traffic fatalities, GDOT officials say the number of cyclists and pedestrians who were killed on state highways have both risen.

GDOT officials say 26 cyclists were killed in 2013, up from 19 a year before. Officials say 178 pedestrians were killed, which is 11 more deaths than in 2012.